Cycling: Big In Japan

[tintin40]

Konnichiwa, Interesting, I have spent some time in the last three years in the far south of Japan, near Nagasaki and there is little or no cycling culture going on, the odd guy in his Rapha kit, and that was about it.

agree. In all my visits since 96 i never noticed much cycling in the southern area. Perhaps i wasn't looking? I always thought like like their cars. Small and if foreign then they had to be left hand drive. Like German cars the most like the rest of the world.

 

[T'boo Ted]

yeah we were in Tokyo around this time last year (marathon time) staying in Shinjuku and there were bikes everywhere. Not many on the roads, loads on the shared footpaths and everyone got along fine (cyclists/ped/cars). Was great to see.

Aside, brilliant place, if I had the cash, I'd move there tomorrow.

 

[tintin40]

Aside, brilliant place, if I had the cash, I'd move there tomorrow.

Agree. Me too. Here are some from Osaka Dec 08 The only bike shop i found. Osaka has a reputation for drink driving so i wouldn't cycle there in town any way.

 

[RadNomad]

That other place is right above the big Nike store in Harajuku right? If I recall correctly, it was called 'Pist' which I found fairly amusing.

Maybe similar but no, it is above another shop (see top floor of this pic), not sure the name but i bought a gimmiky half-dollar top cap in there and on the bag is stated "Riderzcafe". It's in Shibuya area of Tokyo.

But "Blue Lug" is a way better place, i spent a lot of time and money in there!

 

[RadNomad]

Re:

The most impressive shop i found in Tokyo for modern mainstream products is "Y's Road". There are several branches around Tokyo, the one at Shinjuku is amazing. Huge range of brands (Lapierre, Felt, Colnago, BMC, Ridley, Basso, Trek, Merida, Scott, deRosa, Cannondale and more), road, TT, MTB and very comprehensive spare parts and accessories. It's so huge they have a separate shop next door dedicated to clothing, helmets, shoes etc.

 

[Jamiedyer]

'Above the Bike Shop' and Blue Lug seem the best for custom work and paint.

Jamie

 

[RadNomad]

'Above the Bike Shop' and Blue Lug seem the best for custom work and paint.

Jamie

Yes probably, and aparently there are several specialist high quality steel frame builders around but i didn't go looking.

 

[RadNomad]

Re:

Here's a couple of Japan style jerseys from Y's road.

Are these 26 x 2.1 tan wall Panaracers available elsewhere? I've not seen them in UK for example. I reckon they look great on older MTBs, they are fairly light (folding bead) and have road / hardpack friendly tread. The Araya Muddy Fox on page one is wearing a set (and the bike behind it too).

 

[Rod_Saetan]

Re: Re:

Are these 26 x 2.1 tan wall Panaracers available elsewhere? I've not seen them in UK for example. I reckon they look great on older MTBs, they are fairly light (folding bead) and have road / hardpack friendly tread. The Araya Muddy Fox on page one is wearing a set (and the bike behind it too).

They are great tyres, but no, you can't get them over here. I have them on my SS DeKerf and would gladly get another set if they weren't so damn expensive to import! Never mind, going back in December so I may pick some up then.

 

[incorrigible]

Re: Re:

"Blue Lug" is a treasure trove of good quality products

"Sorry, We're OPEN"

Love that.